Tag Archives: microgrids

Smart buildings can be grid partners with utilities by shaving peak loads and increasing resiliency of the grid.

At peak times when utilities face heavy energy loads, smart buildings can shave demand on the grid. Thanks to electronic control systems, sensors, communications and on-site energy storage, buildings can charge their batteries when power is cheap and draw on their stored power during peak hours. Some utilities also give their customers reduced rates if they allow the utility to make momentary, unobtrusive adjustments in electricity loads during peak hours.

Automated demand response agreements enable utilities to remotely switch off their customers’ less critical systems for short periods of time during heavy demand on the grid — for example, turning off power to a hot water heater for five minutes. … Read More

In an alternative to power plants, Australia is instead looking to widespread rooftop solar panels as a way of generating electricity. It’s part of a new peer-to-peer network model that allows consumers to participate in the distribution of energy.

The system creates an incentive for businesses and home owners to embrace renewable power, said JLL Australia Sustainability Director Simone Concha. “In turn this benefits everyone, not just those profiting from it, due… Read More

In the wake of ever-increasing natural disasters, owners and users of real estate are scrambling to make their buildings energy-resilient.

Today, microgrids are emerging as the answer of choice.

These are typically building-specific solar panels, fuel cells, natural gas turbines and energy storage devices that are integrated strategically to allow the building to become energy self-sufficient when utility… Read More